Anne Keothavong has admitted that she is disappointed with Emma Raducanu's decision to withdraw from the Great Britain squad ahead of their upcoming Billie Jean King Cup fixtures. Raducanu was due to represent her country against Germany and the Netherlands this weekend but has opted to undertake a training block instead. She has not played since the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula.

Last week, it was confirmed that Raducanu had pulled out of the Great Britain squad to focus on training ahead of the clay-court season. Her team explained that it was a 'difficult decision' for her to make, adding: "She needs a little space in the calendar to best look after her body." Raducanu has since been replaced in the British team by Jodie Burrage.

Team captain Keothavong has explained that while she is 'naturally disappointed' by Raducanu's absence, she understands why the 22-year-old has chosen to prioritise her individual development.

"Naturally disappointed but I understand where she's coming from," she told The Guardian when asked for her thoughts on Raducanu's withdrawal.

"She gave a lot to this team last year and was a huge part of the reason why we achieved the success that we did. I've got five players here who are highly motivated, who are excited to be here and are well-prepped. I really hope Emma will be part of this again in the future."

Keothavong also highlighted the growth of women’s tennis in the UK, with the emergence of several talented players giving her a solid pool to choose from.

"I do feel in a really privileged position that we have the strength and depth," added Keothavong. "Women’s tennis in Britain has come a long way.

"The flip side of that provides a lot of sleepless nights and headaches for me in trying to make a decision, but you’d much rather have it that way and have a pool of players to choose from and rely on."

Great Britain are competing in a new qualifying format, with six groups of three nations playing round-robins across three days. The winning nation from each group will progress to the finals in China, which are set to be held in September.

Raducanu is not the only big-name absentee from this weekend's Billie Jean King Cup fixtures. Iga Swiatek has also withdrawn from Poland’s qualifying matches against Switzerland and Ukraine, saying she would be 'focusing on myself and my training'.